UCLA Latino Alumni Association Bruins in Animation
Wed 1/29/2025 • 6:30PM PST
Zoom
Get to know UCLA Latinx Alumni who work in the animation industry, including Monica Davila (Santiago of the Seas, Dogs in Space), Marc Sanchez (upcoming project Entire 2 Mundos) and Sebastian Torrelio (Trolls 2, Production Supervisor at Dreamworks). The Zoom panel will be moderated by Angela Sanchez '13, MEd. '15 ("Primos," "Paw Patrol").
Many UCLA students do not know the animation industry is even a possibility, and this session offers both alumni and student communities a wonderful opportunity to learn about animation as a Los Angeles-area/entertainment industry-area campus. Additionally, with Latinx representation in media more critical than ever, this is an excellent opportunity to discuss telling our stories both in front of and behind the camera.
Speakers:
Angela M. Sánchez (moderator) | Writer | BA ’13, MEd ’15
Angela (they/she) is a Xicanx writer from Los Angeles who writes action-adventure stories soaked in magic that center on themes of found family and beating the odds. Inspiration comes from Angela’s own impossible odds of surviving chronic homelessness as a teen. For eight years, Angela served on the board of directors for School on Wheels, Inc., a nonprofit organization that matches tutors with K-12 students experiencing homelessness, and the Los Angeles Times has featured Angela’s children’s book, Scruffy and the Egg, which tackles topics of single-parenthood and homelessness.
Angela was recently a staff writer for Disney Television Animation’s latest 6-11 series PRIMOS. Their freelance writing includes shows such as Spin Master’s PAW PATROL and its spin-off RUBBLE & CREW, AppleTV+’s acclaimed series STILLWATER, Nick Jr.’s latest DORA & FRIENDS, and over a dozen episodes for Moonbug’s GECKO’S GARAGE. Angela’s writing has also appeared in the anthologies Somos Xicanas (Riot of Roses) and As We Convene (Inked in Gray Press). They are currently co-editing the upcoming Latinx comics anthology, From Cocinas to Lucha Libre Ringsides: Latinographix Stories of Sports, Food & Madness, and have been interviewed for the New York Times, NBC News, LA Weekly, La Opinión, KPCC Radio, and Unheard LA.
Social Media Handles: @_AngelaMSanchez (Twitter), @angelamsanchez.writer (Instagram), @AngelaMSanchez (Blue Sky)
Monica Davila | Director/Story Artist | BA ’13
Monica Davila is an award-winning director, supervising producer, storyboard artist, and illustrator living and working in Los Angeles, California. As an undergraduate at UCLA she interned on shows such as The Simpsons and Dora the Explorer before being hired as a production assistant and character layout apprentice at Paramount Animation. She has storyboarded and directed at studios including Nickelodeon, DreamWorks TV, Disney TV, Atomic Cartoons, and Titmouse, and has also done illustration work for Random House, Nickelodeon Media, and several development projects. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling to Canada, and hanging out with her cat, Sally.
Social Media Handles: @monicacdavila (Instagram)
Marc Sanchez | Director and Manga Artist | MFA ’22
Marc Sanchez is a passionate artist, animator, and educator based in Los Angeles. With a background in Latinx animation history and a focus on the intersections of mythology, culture, and storytelling, Marc has worked as a storyboard artist, animation director, and Head of Animation at Ad Astra STEAM Media. He holds a master’s degree and has been an adjunct professor at UCLA, teaching students about animation techniques and industry practices. Marc is the creative force behind Entre 2 Mundos, a groundbreaking anime/manga series that blends Latin American mythology and history. Currently, he is developing various projects, including a new class at UCLA Animation Workshop to guide emerging creatives in pitching their ideas and building successful careers in animation.
Social Media Handles: @BigPavvo (Instagram and Twitter) @Entre2Mundos_official
Sebastian Torrelio
Sebastian Torrelio is a Production Supervisor at DreamWorks Animation and film writer. At UCLA, he served as film & television senior editor for the Daily Bruin newspaper, studying contemporary media through sociology and journalism. He has worked in production on animated feature films & television at studios around Los Angeles - currently DreamWorks' Marketing Custom Animation department. He has worked editorial positions for various industry trade publications & works as a freelance contributor, panel moderator, film critic & event producer.